Happy Anniversary! Chaplaincy Celebrates 25 Years of Faith

Hartsfield-Jackson in the CommunityI

Happy Anniversary! Chaplaincy Celebrates 25 Years of Faith
By DeAllous Smith

"It was a birthday celebration designed by Earth angels. As the 25th Anniversary Luncheon of the Airport Interfaith Chaplaincy commenced, music played softly while greeters guided speakers and well-wishers to their tables."

“As we gather, I want to remind you what a rich gift you and I have in the Airport Chaplaincy,” said WSB-750 AM radio personality Rev. Dr. Allen Hunt. “A rich gift that you and I share with travelers from all over the world as they come to our fair city.”

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Hartsfield-Jackson Assistant General Manager of Commercial Development Arnaldo Ruiz, Rev. Dr. Chester Cook, Rev. Dr. James Clark, SST, Rev. Monsignor Joseph Corbett and Hunt spoke during the program, which was held February 27 at the Georgia International Convention Center.

“It was in the church that I first developed my social conscious,” Franklin said. “The first time that I ever heard about poverty … and understood the value of human and civil rights was in the church.”

She believes prayers from her grandmother and others helped her father overcome alcohol addiction.

“Your story is just as compelling -- or more compelling -- than my story, which is why we come together in fellowship to support each other,” said Franklin. “The chaplaincy program is an insurance policy that anyone of us may need on any given day. The chaplaincy gives people the strength that they may pray and find solutions in their lives.”

As a sanctuary inside the world's busiest airport, the Interfaith Chapel is open to all passengers, visitors, Airport and airline employees. “We are a part of a family and a network that cares enough to make a difference in one person’s life. I just want to say thank you for helping us every day in the chaplaincy,” said Cook, referring to the attendees.

The chaplaincy, which is sustained through in-kind donations and grants, holds services of Christian worship each Sunday at 11 a.m. and at other times during the week. The facility is located in the Airport’s Atrium and on Concourse E.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with the Airport’s Interfaith Chapel, spiritual services or to make a donation, visit www.airportchapel.org.